Hello Spring! Things are slowly warming up in our sunny part of the world and what better timing for me to bring you the work and story of another incredible female painter by the name of Sam Michelle. Sam and I met via Instagram, I can't quite remember how it happened - as is the case for many when you're in a trance of scrolling, looking, liking and clicking onto new and wonderful feeds of fellow artists - but either way I'm glad we found each other! Sam has on many occasions thrown some good, solid and truly genuine social media love my way over the past year and a bit, and not just to me. She also sends support in the direction of many other artists she's found and connected with via these digital platforms. Whether it be details for a competition or massive sales happening at retail art suppliers, Sam is never one to withhold the sharing of, the LOVE. Yup, we have ourselves another kind creative. HAPPY DAYS!

When Sam sent me through her responses to the interview questions, I was amazed at how many things we have in common, in our outlook on this artist life - which is often the case when I read about people following their passions. It's heart warming and reassuring and nothing short of inspiring.

So on that note, it's your turn to enter the beautiful world of Sam Michelle and her stunning painting style. Take note of her distinctive use of colour and organic painting technique, it's honestly mesmerising to take in each and every daub of colour! I love the contrast with smooth blended areas and crisp, bold outlines on the faces and bodies of her subjects and in the many tones and highlights of the petals on her floral still life works. Each work exudes a warm, gentle and very generous vibe... which I feel is a very clear reflection of their maker.

Over to you Sam x

My name is Sam Michelle, I am a NZ born artist who moved to Melbourne when I was 17, I'm now 32. I have two super fun boys, 3 and 6 and my hubby runs a Kelly Sports Business teaching young children sports. I have been crossfitting for the last 2 years and love it. I am the granddaughter of 4 creatives, a painter/scupltuer, a sketch artist, a jewllerry designer and a china doll maker/painter. My sister is unbelievably creative and I grew up following in her footsteps and thinking outside of the box.

I paint female figurative works. In my teenage years I would love to sketch the faces of my girl magazines, I have always been interested in portraits and figures which you can see throughout my college art books and paintings (see below my first ever paintings of the lady and the cat and male portrait study).

If I think back over the last few years, I have always wanted my own 'style', I would work hard on specific skills such as speed & use of light but most importantly refining my own style. I think a great painting leaves people wondering what process the artist used and a work that shows an artist's view of say a 'portrait' rather than a realist portrait that looks like a photo.

"I am reading a book currently, 'Bounce' by Matthew Syed and it talks about the myth of talent and the power of practice. "

When I was 15 years old I worked at a Wellington supermarket after school for my wonderful boss Ron. When Ron found out I liked to paint, he commissioned me to paint a picture of his home for his wife. The local paper printed a story (see below) and from there people asked for commissions, however it was always a very risky dream to consider myself a fulltime artist when I grew up and I didn't want to lose the passion if it was a 'job' so I always considered myself as a hobby artist.I think I first seriously considered myself an artist while chatting to my mum on the phone last year, after gaining gallery representation and joking with her that she can tell her friends and family that I am a legitimate fulltime artist now!

Early last year I was granted the opportunity to launch the local councils (Casey) art space. This was a great opportunity and experience to put together a collection of work. This then snowballed to things like my live painting sessions at the local Westfield to actually moving on from my 13 year banking career to give my risky dream of fulltime painting a go. I am a keen goal writer and last year I was able to tick off usual business things like a website, social media presence, gallery representation not to mention making this risky dream financial viable. This year my goals have been to grow my oil painting classes in my studio and take on more commissions. Yesterday I sold 3 of my female figurative paintings through a beautiful local cafe I display at, the feeling I get from someone purchasing something I create is indescribable.I am about to embark on a little project to help other local artists get their work out and seen. It's an amazing opportunity to curate specific shows and I am very excited about it. Us artists need to help and support each other as possible as we can tend to be our own worse advocates and advertisers.

Some tips I would have for artists:- Get involved with your local council arts department. - Find like minded local artists and have coffees to share ideas and work together on projects. -Teach, I have around 12 students a week that come over to my studio to learn oil painting. This has grown from 1 student 12 months ago and not only is it crazy rewarding, I also gain inspiration from their passion and the pleasure and buzz they get from creating. - Work hard, I often have people tell me, 'wow you finished that fast' but I paint a ridiculous amount of hours a week and there are many mornings I sneak into bed at 2am. The more you practice your style and zone in on your actual process, the faster you will get and the less 'failed' paintings you will create.

Send Sam some LOVE if you've been moved by her work or story.Or get on touch with her directly:

As the lucky lady who received those stunning three pieces, I can honestly say they will be treasured in my home forever. I have admired Sam's work from afar and have also followed her awesome social media accounts. To receive these beautiful pieces as a surprise gift from my husband for my 50th birthday actually brought tears to my eyes. It just shows .......... he was listening all those times I raved about Sam's work and showed him social media posts!!! Keep up your amazing work Sam, you are a true talent. Thank you Tamara for this awesome blog. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning more about Sam!!

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Tamara's word

'Make Do Be' is a place to share my latest ideas, thoughts, works and ventures. My work is contemporary, original and affordable. I can create work for budgets ranging from $100 to $10,000.